Recently, I saw this photo making the rounds on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

What if, instead of thinking about autism as a DISorder, we choose to see it as a DIFFERENTorder in the spirit of the Gammeltoft and Sollock quote above? If we can begin to see that there are multiple and equally valid ways to experience the world, than we can move away from a deficiency model of autism treatment toward programming that respects and leverages the unique strengths of each individual.

Aaron Weintraub, MS runs child-centered social skills groups with a focus on children and teenagers withPervasive Developmental Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Shyness. Strengths-based approach in a community based setting. Groups available in Tolland, Mansfield, Willimantic, Hartford, Vernon and Coventry Connecticut.